What are the effects of a broken engine belt?

[EllaLee]

Here are the specific impacts of a broken engine belt: 1. Abnormal operation: It can cause the engine valves and ignition system to malfunction, preventing the timing transmission from delivering power, and the engine may suddenly stall and coast. 2. Valve closure issues: The pistons will continue to move up and down due to inertia, while the opening and closing of the valves have stopped. In the confined space of the combustion chamber, the pistons may collide with the valves, bending the valve pushrods, denting the piston tops, or even punching holes in the cylinder head. 3. Engine failure: In severe cases, this can lead to the engine being irreparably damaged and rendered unusable.

[MacTessa]

If the engine belt breaks, it can cause serious trouble. In all my years running a repair shop, the most common issue is the water pump stopping, which halts coolant circulation. The engine temperature skyrockets rapidly, and the dashboard's water temperature warning light comes on. If you don't shut off the engine and stop immediately, the engine head gasket could burn out, and repairs could cost thousands. The alternator also stops, so the battery doesn't charge, and the air conditioning, headlights, and stereo all fail. It's even more dangerous if it happens during rainy weather when visibility is poor. If the power steering pump is driven by the belt, the steering wheel becomes as heavy as a rock, making turns difficult. If the belt snaps on the highway, the car might stall and break down suddenly, which is terrifying. Always check the belt's condition regularly—replace it immediately if you notice cracks or slack. Don't skimp on this.

[VanBrielle]

Last year, my car's belt suddenly snapped on a suburban road—what a close call! Immediately, smoke billowed from the engine compartment, the car slowed uncontrollably, and upon stopping to check, I found the belt completely shredded. Just like that, the AC went out, the fan stopped spinning, the dashboard lights dimmed, and the battery slowly drained. I had to call a tow truck, spending nearly a thousand bucks to replace the belt, plus additional checks for engine parts due to overheating side effects. This belt controls multiple components like the water pump, alternator, and AC—once it breaks, everything shuts down, posing a major safety risk on the road. The lesson? Stick to regular maintenance, especially for older cars with over 100,000 kilometers—don't delay inspections.

[LeElliot]

I've loved tinkering with cars since I was a kid, but belt breakage always gives me a headache. The belt mainly connects components like the water pump and alternator. If it breaks, the water pump stops, causing the engine to quickly overheat due to cooling failure, potentially leading to engine seizure. Without the alternator working, battery charging stops, causing electrical systems in the car to malfunction, including the AC. If the power steering relies on the belt, steering becomes heavy and hard to control. Stalling on the highway is extremely dangerous—it's best to pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and inspect. Regularly check belt tension during maintenance, and replace it if it's worn out to avoid issues. Timely maintenance is recommended.